Language Pronunciations and Spelling Variations

British Influence on Indian Words

• Historically believed that British couldn't spell or learn local pronunciations
• Examples of simplification:
  • "UD Mandum" becomes "ITI"
  • "VRA" becomes "B"

Pronunciations in Sanskrit vs Modern Indian Languages

• Sanskrit: All letters pronounced fully
  • Examples: Rama -> Rāma, Mahabharat -> Mahābhārata
  • South Indian languages retain full pronunciation

Schwa Deletion

• North Indian Languages: Schwa (ə) sound often deleted
  • Hindi/Marathi: RMA -> Rāma -> Ram
  • Halfway in between: Some words pronounce schwa, some don't
  • Example names:
    • "Arti" (Hindi) vs "Arti" (Marathi)
    • "Har Har Mahadev" in Marathi vs "Harar Mahadev" in Hindi

Pronunciation Rules

• Sanskrit: Uses Halant (ḥ) to indicate schwa deletion
  • Example: "Su-swāgatam" not "Su-swāgata"
• South Indian Languages: Clearly indicate schwa deletion in script

Examples of Misunderstood Pronunciations and Spellings

• Rama/Rāma: Sanskrit requires full pronunciation
• Sarii/Sāri: Halfway sound between 'R' and 'D'
• Ghazal: Unique sound from Persian, different from 'G'
• V and W in English: Different sounds but often confused in Indian pronunciation
  • V: Bite your V's (e.g., "vet")
  • W: Kiss your W's (e.g., "wet")

Conclusion

• Spelling variations have historical and linguistic reasons
• Deeper understanding reveals fascinating stories about language evolution